The Coroner's Lunch

Last Updated: 5/26/2012

Dr. Siri, 72, expects a relaxing retirement after 40 years in the jungle fighting for the people's revolution. Appointed national coroner,(though he’s never performed an autopsy) the book begins with the death of a general’s wife. Dr. Siri has the disturbing ability to see ghosts in his dreams but with his new job, the spirit world moves to primetime. When the wife appears violently unhappy while the general is removing her body to the funeral home, the good doctor follows up.

Quirky but not cutesy, I found the story and characters charming not saccharine. Siri has lived too long to kowtow to a communist regime though others must. Similar in style to The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, for those who enjoy history, culture, and exotic locales with humor and heart.